The Human Brain Essays (1692 words) - Medical Physics, Neuroimaging

The Human Brain The human being is considered to be the ultimate form of life on the earth. This is not because the human body is strong and agile. Many other animals posses skills much superior to humans and are able to perform feats humans can only dream of. The one thing that distinguishes humans from all of the other organisms on this planet is the brain. The brain is the site that controls the human body. However, unlike in animals, in man, the brain is also the site of the mind. The mind gives humans superiority over other creatures. It provides humans with the ability to reason, to feel and to adapt. Because of this, man has achieved so much, and has also realized that much more is still ahead. During the course of evolution, ever since early Homo sapiens and his ancestors walked on the surface of the earth, man has wondered about himself, and how he relates to the natural world. People learned and adapted to new lifestyles. As time passed, humans learned to record history. They analyzed past events and applied this knowledge to solve problems. These processes improved as more and more people supplied their experiences to the common pool of knowledge. Such co-operation created the modern man with his superb ability to think. Many sciences were born. Some of them centered around humans. They included, among many others, psychology and neurology. While psychology deals with the mind and human behavior, neurology is the study of the nervous system. The nervous system of the human being consists of several parts. The main structures are the brain and the spinal chord. The system also includes nerves which sense external and internal stimuli and then relate all information to the central processing unit, i.e. the brain. Because of man's rapid evolution in technology and medicine, humans now know a great deal more about their own nervous system then they did even a few years ago. This increase in knowledge is partly due to the recent advances in nuclear medicine. Although X-ray machines have been the chief mechanical tools for internal observations of the human body since Wilhelm Roentgen discovered X-rays in 1901, the development of computers made it possible for better and more accurate techniques to be applied to scan the human body. These methods employ various scanners like the CAT, PET, MRI and SPECT. The CAT is an acronym for Computerized Axial Tomography. This method of scanning generally involves X-rays and enables scientists to view the inside of the head in a three dimensional format on a computer screen. PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography and it is much more complicated than the CAT scan. PET machines bombard the subject with doses of positrons -- the anti-matter equivalents of the electrons. As the positrons enter the body, they encounter electrons which are escaping from radioactive elements which have been injected into the bloodstream. When the positrons and the electrons collide, they give off energy which is recorded by a computer. The result is a far more detailed 3-D picture of the brain than the one obtained from the CAT machine. To obtain an even better image, physicians use the MRI, which stands for Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. With these three processes combined, every structure of the body can be easily observed. The CAT and the MRI are c ently being used to detect early signs of Multiple Sclerosis in patients who show MS symptoms. The SPECT equipment is a brand new addition to the family of body scanners. It is still in experimental mode at several United States hospitals, but it has received much positive criticism. The SPECT, which is the short form for Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography, is a device which resembles the PET. However, it uses radiation which is less harmful and the tracers which are injected into the patient are non-radioactive isotopes of Lithium, Carbon and Phosphorus. The system is also much faster which permits quicker diagnoses. Modern technology is not the only method by which the human nervous system can be studied. Traditional surgical procedures, along with fiber optic cameras and sensors create an image of the brain that is fascinating. It is known that the brain is made up of two hemispheres, left and right, connected by a central "bridge" called the thalamus. In the back of the human skull lies the cerebellum, an organ associated with the control of muscles and maintaining equilibrium. Other structures of the brain include the hypothalamus which governs the autonomic (non-voluntary) nervous system. Below the

The Grea Calamity essays

The Grea Calamity essays The Great Fire of 1871 was one of the most colossal disasters in American history. Overnight, the flourishing city of Chicago was turned into a smoldering wasteland. The damage was so profound that few people believed the city could ever rise again. There had been little rain that year, and various other fires occurred. More than 600 fires occurred in 1870, and 27 in the first week of October alone. Murphy 19-20) Most of these fires originated in barns because of the highly flammable hay located there. Lanterns would be knocked over, and flames would catch the hay causing fire to break out. The evening of October 8, 1871 was unusually warm. There had been a strong wind coming off the prairie all day. Chicago had also been going through a drought that made grasses, wood, and everything else in the city extremely dry. (Murphy 13) These conditions were just right for a fire. Little did people know, that the wind and drought were going to help destroy their magnificent city. Moreover, Chicago in 1871 was a city ready to burn. The city boasted having 59,500 buildings, many of them such as the courthouse and the tribune building large and intricately decorated. The trouble was that about two-thirds of all these structures were made entirely of wood. Even the sidewalks and heavy streets were paved with wooden blocks. (Murphy 18-19) It was a Sunday evening, and a normal one for Catherine and Patrick O'Leary, which means they had gone to bed early because they had to awaken early in the morning for chores. Daniel "Peg Leg" Sullivan just happened to be riding by the house numbered 137 on DeKoven Street at the time the blaze broke out. As the hungry flames licked the side of the tool shed, Sullivan, in panic, began to yell, "Fire! Fire!" (Murphy 14) All the neighbors were alerted and the fire had their attention too, as the swirling wind drove the fire into their yards. The O'Leary's remained asleep until one cit...

Draft Outline & body & Introduction of paragraph raisin in the sun by Essay

Draft Outline & body & Introduction of paragraph raisin in the sun by lorraine hansberry - Essay Example Lee complaining about the violation of their right to purchase home anywhere including in all-white neighborhoods. Although the court ruled to the author’s favor, the Hansberry family underwent physical attacks from their white neighbors. Hansberry wrote the play at a time when there were several social changes taking place in America. In the plot, the Youngers, an African-American family lives in poverty. The play begins by the family receiving $10,000 from the life insurance policy of the deceased Mr. Younger (Hansberry 2). Due to their myriad problems and needs, the family is divided on how best to use the money. Mama wants to use the money to buy a new home while Walter wants to invest the money in a liquor business with his friend while Beneatha hopes to use the money for her tuition fee. Ruth, Walters’s wife, agrees with Mama arguing that a better home will benefit the entire family. In the end, Walter’s friend misuses the money and the family encounters a decision by a white neighbor to move out of the given neighborhood and receive money for the same. The play indicates that equal opportunities for improvement of social and economic class as highlighted in the American dream are not fairly accessible to every citizen, but are dependent on race and social

Measure of Consumer Well-Being Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Measure of Consumer Well-Being - Research Paper Example I have recently started working on a marketing job. The new job requires me to be constantly in touch with by superiors and also with my customers. I now realize that my basic model of mobile would not serve its purpose. I need a phone that not only serves as a phone but also functions like a hand held computer with wi-fi facility. Reading and writing emails was very important and hence, the new mobile must be hi-tech with huge functions. Using laptop all the time to remain online for conference talk with superiors was not feasible. This was a major problem which needed to be sorted out. Hence, new mobile with these features was the only option for me to safeguard my job. Information search My need for sophisticated mobile phone was driven by my professional requirement. I started researching for the best brand that would help me meet my need. The online search was natural option. I found that Nokia N8 was a good option. It was not only backed by the brand credibility but also throug h experience I knew that it was sturdy and reliable. It was equipped with various features like easy navigation, huge storage, high resolution camera, wi-fi to connect easily across the globe, email, video conferencing, facebook etc. These were critical features that supported my work. One of my colleagues also happened to have this phone who gave a rave review. I also went to major mobile outlets to personally see various models. This helped me to evaluate them and helped compare various feature including look, weight, easy to use keyboard etc. Alternative evaluation Awareness of the product is almost always followed by in depth search from different internal and external sources. The alternative assessment of the product helps to evaluate the value for the product. Looking at alternative brands, I found that Samsung Galaxy was also quite popular amongst many of my friends and acquaintances. It had same features with qwerty keyboard. It suited my requirements but the cost was littl e over my budget. Some of friends also cautioned me that it needed good care and could not be used as roughly as Nokia! Purchase decision Purchase decision takes into consideration various factors like need for the product, which in my case was triggered by work requirement. The alternative evaluation and information gathering process are vital criteria for making right purchase decision. Indeed, it reduces the risk in buying in buying expensive products. The final buying decision is backed by the credibility of the manufacturer, reliability of the product, social consciousness, quality, performance, lifestyle, experience, post-sale performance etc. Lee et al. (2002) strong assert that consumer experiences satisfaction vis-a-vis consumption, maintenance, lifecycle and post purchase service. Most importantly I found that Nokia products were environment friendly and the firm was highly ethical with strong sense of social responsibility. My research, thus greatly facilitated me to make purchase decision. I was already satisfied with the brand as my basic phone was also Nokia and the cost, quality and brand name finally helped in my decision to purchase Nokia N8. Post purchase behavior After sales performance lends credibility to the product and promotes unique customer relationship based on trust.

Corporate strategy - from the point of Le Meridien cross-nationally Essay

Corporate strategy - from the point of Le Meridien cross-nationally - Essay Example Companies’ at this crunch stage adopt a safe way to hold their businesses. JB implemented an unconventional thought to draw revenues at all the prosperities. JB with his two strategies â€Å"Arch & tech† and â€Å"Treasure hunt† may not be effective as the prevailing marketing conditions do not drive the customers to use the hospitality services. The initiative â€Å"Arch & Tech† requires a considerable amount of investment to renovate the properties according to the lavish requirement of the theme which is not advisable at the point where there are no takers for property. The amount of time needed for establishing the properties according to the expectations of the initiative are more and the promotional cost add to this affair. As per the time frame of 3 years the first priorities should be to retain and uphold the key service aspects that are well accepted in the customer segments. The two new initiatives may not be well accepted by the property owners and other key managing director of different regions with respect to a particular country. The new initiatives may not consider the local customs and traditions. The initiatives if implemented may not promise the expected customer turn out as we cannot estimate the level of acceptance for the service ambience. Hospitality is more related to the movement of truth created by the ambience and service rendered by employees. So, JB as a CEO hasn’t mentioned any initatives to uphold the employees’ moral in tough times and to encourage them to stick to the company and strive for its progress. Employee satisfaction may have been given a miss in JB’s

Research Achievements in Biomedical Engineering

Research Achievements in Biomedical Engineering BIOMEDICAL ENGINNERING Biomedical Engineering is a branch of engineering which combines biology and medicine with engineering principles and mechanics for the enhancement of advanced health care treatment and numerous breakthroughs in medicine. Bioengineer is a cross-disciplinary field which requires skills and knowledge to understand, define and solve biomedical and clinical problems through engineering sciences. Biomedical Engineers works on various sector within bioengineering i.e. tissue engineering, genetic engineering, imaging, biomaterials and a lot more. Bioengineers design and develop new equipment and methods, surgical devices, prosthetics and artificial organs for medical imaging, monitoring and diagnosing disease. They also work for the development of new medical procedures and research solutions. Bioengineering has become a promising and developing field in present times. Among various inventions of biomedical engineering, a cochlear implant is one of the important medical discovery. A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted medical device which replaces the function of a damaged inner ear by bypassing the damaged hair cells of a cochlea to provide signals to the brain. It works more than a hearing aid device. It is basically used by the people who have hearing loss in both ears and those who are not benefitted by hearing aids. The implant has been used by enormous population having hearing loss and difficulties because of its immense effectiveness. And as of December, 2012, approximately 324,200 registered devices have been implanted worldwide. Figure: Cochlear Implant (https://www.google.com/url?sa=irct=jq=esrc=ssource=imagescd=cad=rjauact=8ved=0ahUKEwiNqNuKhqrSAhWBPCYKHUGND3IQjRwIBwurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.medindia.net%2Fpatients%2Fpatientinfo%2Fcochlearimplants.htmpsig=AFQjCNHJBWApt8n01ZcD9A0LCeka2nVq7Aust=1488070699063874) Another Significant achievement in Biomedical engineering is Composite tissue transplantation. There has been a lot of interest in the development of bioengineered structures with multiple tissue types because of the recent success of clinical Vascularized Composite Allografts (VCAs) including the face (upper, lower) and abdominal walls. The tissue transplantation serves as a replacement of traumatic losses from explosives, burns, cosmetic concerns and various major functional injuries. Since VCA depends upon the growth of recipients nerves into the grafted donor tissue, many difficulties have been arising for achieving the cooperation of different tissue in vivo. Further research is going on to meet the challenges and difficulties. The field of biomedical engineering is expanding with successful experiments and surgeries. However, there are certain experimental and surgical failures as well. In one of the cases, one of the Duke university Hospital surgeon operated a heart and lung transplantation surgery of Jessica Santilan on February 7, without recalling the information of the donors blood type. There was absence of positive confirmation of ABO compatibility of the donor organs and the identified recipient patient. This was considered a critical mistake as it caused Ms. Santilan desperately ill with signs of irreversible brain damage. Biomedical Engineering is one of the most promising career. One must complete a four years Bachelors degree and a two years master degree in Biomedical Engineering major to become a professional Biomedical Engineer. An average salary of a Biomedical Engineer is $86,220 per annum. Being a Biomedical engineer, one can work for the betterment of health, society and can achieve a standard professional and financial living. REFERENCES Â   Â   Mattsson, J., Ringden, O., Storb, R. (2008, Januaary). Graft Failure Allogenic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2344125/ Ericson, G. (2016, January 13). One-sided hearing, cochlear implants studied in project. Retrieved from: https://source.wustl.edu/2008/09/onesided-hearing-cochlear-implants-studied-in-project/

Macbeth - Conflict Essay -- essays research papers

"Conflict is central to the dramatic development of any play." Prior to deciding whether or not conflict is central to the dramatic development of MACBETH, one must consider all the dramatic factors that contribute to the Shakespearean play. The gradual decline of the protagonist , the role portrayed by characters and the order in which the events occur, greatly influence the direction in which the development of the play takes place. After reading the text MACBETH, by Shakespeare and viewing the film version, directed by Roman Polanski, it is logical to see that ambition and the deceptive appearances of what really is, is central to the dramatic development of MACBETH. Initially MACBETH is seen as a great soldier, a fearless fighter who has loyally defended his King against a treacherous rebellion. However, he is corrupted by evil in the form of three witches and their supernatural prophecies, and by ambition, not so much his own at first but by Lady Macbeth's ambition for him to murder Duncan, thus attaining the crown of Scotland. In Act I, Scene I three witches plan to meet MACBETH upon a heath. They announce the major theme of the play: appearances can be deceptive. "Fair is foul, and foul is fair." MACBETH's affirmation of this is reciprocated in Act I, Scene III, when he echoes the witches words, "So fair and foul a day I have not seen." Factors that are apparent in both the text and visual of MACBETH are the symbols and imagery used by Shakespeare and Polanski. Due to the different language modes used in both versions of MACBETH, the audience must themselves visualise the images in the text, since the main language mode is reading and can therefore interpret the images quite differently in comparison with Polanski's MACBETH. The main language mode in the film is viewing and listening, so the audience does not have to interpret the images for themselves because it has already been done for them, which enhances the audience's response and emotions to the dramatic development of ambition and deceptive appearances. In the written text, Shakespeare emphasis's the hidden reality through the use of dramatic techniques of imagery and symbolism. There is a constant use of light and dark imagery which is used by the protagonist , MAC... ...s his evil actions continue, increasingly violent. His conscience, on the other hand, before and after the murder of Duncan, is unstable. A further exhibition of conscience can be seen in his nightmares, the immediate realisation that he has 'murdered Sleep'. Insecurity is present initially, and is intensified by MACBETH's actions. Shakespeare indication of this the soliloquy of MACBETH before the murder of the King: "If it were done, when 'tis done, then 'twere well It were done quickly†¦.." (Act I, Scene VII) Encompassing all the evidence that has been presented and after reading and viewing Polanski and Shakespeare's renditions of MACBETH it is logical to come to the conclusion that ambition and deceptive appearances is central to the dramatic development of MACBETH. Without ambition MACBETH would not have pursued his path to become King of Scotland so viciously. Deceptive appearances is the key to this play because without hiding reality all the evil enfolding this play, all the intentions of protagonist and the other characters would have been revealed. Without the centralisation of these themes, MACBETH would have been altered and the plot would be non-existent.